Modern ways of working became flexible working which begat agile working. Yet decades later we’re still stuck with much of the rigid office format that we were supposed to leave behind. Yes there is now more open plan with less restricting walls yet glass partitions still mark out the work pens from the communal spaces. … Continue reading Guerrilla working
Dog walking with a difference
I’d been thinking about this little spoof tale (no pun intended) since last summer when I heard this article on BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ entitled ‘Would you borrow someone else’s dog?’ It was a piece about borrowmydoggy.com who find great local friends for your doggy. They match doggy owners with local borrowers for … Continue reading Dog walking with a difference
Considering humans in design
There is a little patch of grass at the end of our street. It sits between the end of our road and Coopies Lane which runs past the train station and up to the industrial estate. It’s a bit no no-man’s land that was actually at the end of the old Blyth and Tyne railway … Continue reading Considering humans in design
Amongst the Phlebophiles
It was time to give blood again this week and I spent Sunday afternoon surrounded by phlebophiles (it’s a made up word meaning vein-lovers but it sounds scientific enough). I’m four pints further on from the last time I blogged about giving and with 26 pints I’m well into silver badge territory but still a … Continue reading Amongst the Phlebophiles
Palliative customer service
I deal with one of the big banks. I rely upon them to handle all of my financial transactions such as paying my bills and keeping my cash safe. For this pleasure I pay them a monthly fee and a chunk of interest when asked for. In the main their service is very good and … Continue reading Palliative customer service
Feeling hot?
Feeling hot? We shouldn't complain should we but we're just not used to it in this country. As soon as the thermometer nudges the high twenties we start to melt. It's different when we’re on holiday but it is so hard to stay focussed in the heat. But don’t worry, your problems are over. Now … Continue reading Feeling hot?
Blog saturation point
I’m starting to think that I am suffering from a new phenomenon, one that is new to me at least. It might even be a syndrome, a medical mystery. I have dubbed it as reaching ‘Blog Saturation Point’. I’m sure it must affect all bloggers at some time or other and its symptoms are quite … Continue reading Blog saturation point
Now there’s not one toad but two
There is a difference between a frog and a toad but as I’m lying on my back on a rug on the grass and the thermometer is nudging thirty I really cannot muster the enthusiasm to go and find out what it is. Up above me the swifts are drawing patterns in the sky with … Continue reading Now there’s not one toad but two
Enabling safe business
It has been another first for me, acting as the compere for a conference. Is compere the right word or should it be chairman, host or even MC? MC Phil – I don’t think so. The conference went under the banner of ‘Enabling Safe Business’ and was focussed on getting the balance right between heavy-handed … Continue reading Enabling safe business
Dearly departed
Goodbye old friend. We’ve known each other for a long time, over twenty years but now you are gone. You were such a part of our family, generous of spirit and radiating warmth into the hearts of everyone you came into contact with. I can still see you in your favourite corner of the kitchen, … Continue reading Dearly departed
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 